This is my go-to for comfort: a simple garlic and oil with a little kick. This tastes even better the next day. You can make this quick pasta sauce in less than 10 minutes.

This sauce keeps it really simple. Oil and garlic meld their flavors together accompanied by a little salt, red pepper flakes, and a touch of parsley. Done.

I’ve included this recipe in our Comfort Pasta Buffet menu, which gives you the whole plan for creating a simply grand, pasta buffet to serve to guests at a party, with only a little bit of effort.

MAKE ABOUT 1 CUP (ENOUGH FOR 1 LB PASTA)

MAKE THE SAUCE

1 CUP EV olive oil
4-5 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp fine salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 TB parsley, chopped

Gently heat oil. To test if oil is ready, add a piece or two of the garlic, it should sizzle softly and immediately. Cook on low flame for 5 min, till garlic is slightly brown. Strain into heatproof container. Stir in the salt, pepper flakes and parsley.

This recipe is part of our pasta buffet. See more recipes for throwing a laid-back affair in 11 Comfort Pasta